Common Problems That Arise with Car Cooling Systems

If you were to slip behind the wheel on a warm day and your air conditioning failed to work, you'd probably head right over to our Subaru parts center to pick up auto parts. You should be just as quick to take action if one of the parts in your car's cooling system malfunctions or fails. The team at Gillman Subaru San Antonio advises you to act fast because failing to fix your cooling system quickly can lead to catastrophic damage.

How the System Works

Whether it's a hybrid or traditional vehicle, every automobile that has an internal combustion engine has a cooling system that's separate from its a/c system. The cooling system is responsible for keeping the engine cool and ensuring it operates at an optimal level and temperature.

Most modern automobiles have a cooling system that uses a coolant known as anti-freeze. That liquid flows through the engine and absorbs heat to keep the powerplant cool. The coolant then flows through the radiator, which cools the liquid with air that passes through the car's grille.

A thermostat rests between the engine and radiator. That part opens and closes depending on how hot or cold the anti-freeze is. The thermostat remains closed when the engine is cold to allow the engine to warm up faster. Once the powerplant reaches a healthy operating temperature, the thermostat opens to allow the coolant to flow through the radiator.

Potential Issues

In addition to the components just discussed, several other parts make up your cooling system. Those parts include hoses, a fan, a heater core, and a water pump, among others. If any of those parts fail to work properly, it's advisable to make an appointment to bring your vehicle to our Subaru service center ASAP to prevent damage to your engine and other components.

When they visit our Subaru dealership in San Antonio, TX for a cooling system repair, drivers sometimes find they have problems in common. Those issues often include:

• Radiator leaks
• Air in the cooling system
• Low coolant level
• Erratic thermostat
• Water pump failure

Pick Up Auto Parts in Our Subaru Parts Center in San Antonio, TX

Is your vehicle experiencing cooling system problems you can fix on your own, such as being low on coolant? Look over our Subaru parts offers to save on the supplies you need now. If the problem is more involved, head over to our Subaru service center before what might be a small issue becomes a larger, more expensive problem.